In the Saddle — Liam Madden

Date Published

Friday, September 13, 2013

CHICKASHA – While it may look like the men’s soccer team at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is having a rebuilding year, sophomore midfield Liam Madden says it’s just a matter of gelling and refining through hard work.

“We look to improve and just get better each game as we go along,” he said. “We’ve been doing a lot of fitness work, keeping up our general training, our technical work, and just getting the freshmen adjusted to how the Drovers usually work.”

As for goals on the season, Madden said the team is eager to get back to the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship tournament.

“The main prospect is for us to go back to the national tournament. We didn’t do as well last year in the conference tournament, something we definitely look to improve on,” Madden said.

After going undefeated in the regular season in 2012, the Drovers ended up not advancing in the SAC Quarterfinals after penalty kicks against Oklahoma City. Despite that, the Drovers earned the opportunity to compete in nationals and made it to the round of 16.

Madden, originally from Scotland, said he signed up with a company to study and play abroad, and USAO Coach Jimmy Hampton offered him a scholarship, but it wasn’t until he looked deeper into the chance that he decided to take Hampton up on the offer.

“I researched [USAO] and found out it was a really good college and that the soccer program was really successful so I made my way here,” Madden said. “So far, it’s a really good opportunity for me.”